Demand for 7-seater SUVs have been rising at a rapid speed, as most of the automakers have introduced 7-seater versions of this existing models. Mahindra is currently selling multiple 7-seater SUVs including the Bolero Neo, XUV500, Scorpio and the Alturas G4. The company is readying a couple of new 7-seater SUVs, which will be launched in the next 1 year.
American SUV maker, Jeep will also introduce its second locally developed SUV, called the Jeep Meridian in the country in the next 1 year. This SUV will be retailed as the Jeep Commander in Brazil.
Mahindra XUV700
The 7-seater SUV will come as a replacement for the existing Mahindra XUV500. It is expected to be launched on Independence Day, 2021. Expected to be priced between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 22 lakh, the new XUV700 will rival the MG Hector Plus, Hyundai Alcazar and the Tata Safari. The new Mahindra XUV700 7-seater SUV will be offered with two engine options – a 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel and a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol. The engines are also likely to get a mild hybrid system.
Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. It will also receive an optional all-wheel-drive system. The new Mahindra XUV700 7-seater SUV will receive segment-first ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). It will offer features like Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Park Assist.
New Mahindra Scorpio
Mahindra will introduce the next generation Scorpio SUV in the first half of 2022. The new model will be based on the ladder-on-frame chassis, which currently underpins the new Thar lifestyle SUV. The new Mahindra Scorpio will come with modern day features including the factory-fitted electric sunroof; however, it won’t get the panoramic unit. Key features will include engine start/stop button, keyless entry, a large vertically-stacked touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, cruise control, multi-functional steering wheel, rear AC vents, automatic AC and others.
The new Mahindra Scorpio will be offered with two engine options – a 2.0L turbocharged petrol with power output close to 150bhp, and a 2.2L turbo-diesel engine with close to 158bhp power. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. The SUV will get AWD or 4×4 option.
Jeep Meridian
It is basically the 7-seater version of the Jeep Compass SUV. The SUV will be built on the FCA’s Small-Wide 4×4 platform, which is modified to accommodate a larger wheelbase. Adding to it, the architecture will be stronger and stiffer, and will also accommodate the second-gen Renegade. The SUV’s design will be inspired by the Jeep’s global SUVs including the Grand Cherokee and the Wagoneer.
The Jeep Meridian will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine with a 48V mild hybrid system. This engine will be a twin-turbocharged unit, and is expected to produce around 200bhp of power and over 400Nm of torque. It will be paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Expected to be priced around Rs 28 lakh to Rs 35 lakh, the Jeep Meridian will be positioned against the Skoda Kodiaq, VW Tiguan AllSpace, Toyota Fortuner, etc.
